A2P vs P2P SMS messaging: Differences breakdown

Discover the key differences between P2P and A2P SMS and find out which one is better for your business.

Razan Saleh Senior Content Marketing Specialist

If you’re looking to start using SMS as a channel for customer communication, you need to understand A2P and P2P messaging. You might have heard these terms before, but understanding the difference will help you choose the best option for your business.

What is A2P messaging?

Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging is any kind of text message received through a software application instead of another person.

A2P messages are generally high-volume automated messages sent through a communication platform for informational and transactional purposes. These can be sales or marketing messages, appointment reminders, automated messages through chatbots, and two-factor authentication (2FA) through one-time passwords (OTPs). 

A2P messages can be defined as: 

  • One-way or two-way 
  • Automated or integrated into a communication platform 
  • Conversational, informational, or transactional 

The A2P market is massive, and is only projected to grow, as business messaging with customers has become the standard practice of brands worldwide:

$72.48 billion

A2P market value in 2024

$91.59 billion

Projected A2P market value by 2031

The main goal in A2P messaging is to reach as many people as possible, not necessarily to get feedback. For example, if a business with a large customer base wants to launch a new promotional marketing campaign, they can use A2P bulk SMS as one of their promotional channels. In this case, this type of communication would be one-way, as no response is required from the receiver. 

In other cases, however, the communication can be two-way, if the A2P message was sent for transactional or conversational purposes. A good example of this would be to process a payment or schedule an appointment.

What is P2P messaging?

P2P SMS, or Person-to-Person messaging, is a basic text message exchange between two people through a mobile network. These are messages or private conversations we have with our friends and family. In other words, P2P messaging is personal communication – not commercial-related. Mobile network operators (MNOs) usually act as the bridge that connects people through SMS.

However, in some countries, application-based communication may be permitted. For example, two people texting through native mobile apps would almost always be P2P SMS. Unless these two people were messaging through some API, it could be P2P or A2P. 

In the US and Canada, P2P messaging is strictly defined by Telecom regulations and does not include any application-based messaging. 

P2P messages can be defined as: 

  • Two-way 
  • Used by individuals, not by businesses 
  • Conversational only

A2P vs. P2P SMS messaging

The key difference between P2P and A2P SMS is their purpose and send volume: 

  • P2P SMS is used for personal reasons, between one sender and one recipient 
  • A2P is used for commercial and marketing purposes and can be sent to many mobile users or customers at once 

P2P conversation

P2P SMS conversation example

A2P conversation

A2P SMS messaging

Other differentiating factors between A2P and P2P messaging

Messaging channels

A2P messages can be delivered on email, SMS, digital channels, social media etc. through API or a communication platform where message flows, features, and automation can be used.

P2P messages can also happen on email, SMS, digital channels, and social media with rich media features if the channel allows.

Sender types

A2P messaging requires brands to register a short code, 10DLC number, VLN, or alphanumeric sender type to send business messages.

P2P messages requires a person’s regular phone number, email, or username to send and receive messages.

Message volume

A2P messaging can handle a very high volume of messages thanks to these sender types. This means brands can send bulk messages and have them delivered quickly.

P2P messages is designed for individual, low-volume conversations. They have a very high speed of delivery.

Regulations and compliance

A2P messaging must follow strict regulations set by regional governments as well as MNO’s. This helps reduce spam and fraud attacks and ensures that end-user data and privacy is of the utmost importance. Brands need to adhere to regulations like GDPR and TCPA to be able to send customers messages.

P2P messaging, generally speaking, doesn’t need to follow any compliance regulations because it involves private and personal conversations.

Carrier requirements

A2P messaging have to follow a number of carrier requirements like:

  • Opt-in consent and opt-out instructions 
  • Content guidelines 
  • Campaign registration 

P2P messages don’t need to follow carrier requirements, but it is possible to be blocked by carriers as spam in P2P messaging.

Popular A2P SMS use cases

Now that we know the difference, here are some key A2P use cases that can be used across industries:

Bill payment reminders

Hi [Customer Name], you have an outstanding payment of [payment amount]. Complete your payment before March 10th to avoid interest!

Appointment reminders

[Customer Name], you have an appointment tomorrow, Tuesday March 4th at 5 PM. Reply HELP to reschedule or cancel.

Security alerts and notifications

There is a service outage in your area. We are working on the issue and will alert you when it is resolved.

Promotional marketing campaign

Hi [Customer Name]! Get 20% off today only with code LOVE20! Click the link to shop: [Link] 

Communication technology providers built A2P SMS to handle large-scale messaging. A2P messaging is the primary route for customer communication. A2P SMS can easily be set up via Infobip portal or SMS API.

A2P and P2P FAQs answered

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